STATEMENT BY MINISTER McLELLAN ON THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF
THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL

OTTAWA, September 7, 2001 - In response to the announcement by the Government of the province of Quebec to refer Bill C-7, the proposed Youth Criminal Justice Act, to the Quebec Court of Appeal, Minister McLellan made the following statement:

The Government of Canada is confident that Bill C-7 is constitutional, it is a valid exercise of the federal government's criminal law power and complies with the U.N Convention on the Rights of the Child. We stand behind this legislation and we will defend it as necessary.

Bill C-7 includes key amendments that specifically respond to provincial concerns. Furthermore, when enacted, Bill C-7 will not only allow Quebec to maintain but also to improve its youth justice system.

Bill C-7 has several objectives including the prevention of crime by eliminating the causes underlying criminal behaviour in young people and the rehabilitation of young persons and their reintegration into society.

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Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621